Weeks of hard work and rigorous planning culminated in the successful return of 35 of our Grade R girls to school on Wednesday morning. There were mixed emotions as you watched your daughters bravely and happily march to their classrooms, eager to meet their friends. I would like to thank you for cooperating so wholeheartedly in following the new rules and guidelines to ensure the safety of our girls.

To ensure their continued safety and health, the following safety measures must be adhered to strictly:

Wash and change uniforms daily

Wash masks daily

Fill in the daily online COVID screening form on Bluesky

Note: Masks and visors are available for sale at school. Please contact Ayesha at reception if you require these. If you have not returned the indemnity form, please do so immediately.

There are several things that you can do to ease the girls’ transition back to school. Remember that your children take their cues from you, so you need to do your best to remain positive and relaxed about their return to school.

Talk to them. Ask open questions like “What are you looking forward to?”, “What have you missed most?” and “What’s worrying you?” Let them express themselves fully and reassure them sincerely.

Chat about what will be the same. Explain that while there may be some new rules, there are lots of ways that school will still be the same. It will still be in the same building and there will still be lessons and outside play times. This will help instil a sense of security.

Explain to the girls that clever teachers, doctors and scientists have come up with these changes so that we can all beat the virus together — and keep them safer too.

While I understand that some of you may be worried about your daughter falling behind academically, please rest assured that we are in no rush to assess the girls. Our priority is for them to ease into the new routine and adapt to the changes.

Online learning (for parents who chose to keep their daughters at home)

All lessons will be live-streamed. These lessons will be recorded on Teams so you will have the opportunity to go back to them if need be.

Schedules for the lessons will be sent to you.

There will be no additional Teams meetings with the girls at home.

The adversities we have faced, although difficult, have helped foster resilience and growth. The silver linings have been plentiful. We had rare opportunities for family bonding time, having healthy home cooked meals and a period to re-evaluate what we find most important in life.

As Charles Dickens said, “it is the best of times… it is the worst of times”. The choice is ours.

Weeks of hard work and rigorous planning culminated in the successful return of 35 of our Grade R girls to school on Wednesday morning. There were mixed emotions as you watched your daughters bravely and happily march to their classrooms, eager to meet their friends. I would like to thank you for cooperating so wholeheartedly in following the new rules and guidelines to ensure the safety of our girls.

To ensure their continued safety and health, the following safety measures must be adhered to strictly:

Wash and change uniforms daily

Wash masks daily

Fill in the daily online COVID screening form on Bluesky

Note: Masks and visors are available for sale at school. Please contact Ayesha at reception if you require these. If you have not returned the indemnity form, please do so immediately.

There are several things that you can do to ease the girls’ transition back to school. Remember that your children take their cues from you, so you need to do your best to remain positive and relaxed about their return to school.

Talk to them. Ask open questions like “What are you looking forward to?”, “What have you missed most?” and “What’s worrying you?” Let them express themselves fully and reassure them sincerely.

Chat about what will be the same. Explain that while there may be some new rules, there are lots of ways that school will still be the same. It will still be in the same building and there will still be lessons and outside play times. This will help instil a sense of security.

Explain to the girls that clever teachers, doctors and scientists have come up with these changes so that we can all beat the virus together — and keep them safer too.

While I understand that some of you may be worried about your daughter falling behind academically, please rest assured that we are in no rush to assess the girls. Our priority is for them to ease into the new routine and adapt to the changes.

Online learning (for parents who chose to keep their daughters at home)

All lessons will be live-streamed. These lessons will be recorded on Teams so you will have the opportunity to go back to them if need be.

Schedules for the lessons will be sent to you.

There will be no additional Teams meetings with the girls at home.

The adversities we have faced, although difficult, have helped foster resilience and growth. The silver linings have been plentiful. We had rare opportunities for family bonding time, having healthy home cooked meals and a period to re-evaluate what we find most important in life.

As Charles Dickens said, “it is the best of times… it is the worst of times”. The choice is ours.

I suspect that the past week has taken many of us on an unbelievable roller-coaster ride of emotions as we have traversed the immediate and further afield impact and response to the pandemic; witnessed and reacted to the police brutality during lockdown with the responding Blackout Tuesday, and managed the return to school of some of our girls.

This impact of the pandemic is felt within every household in our community and has had devastating effects on the most vulnerable members of our nation. The seemingly earlier peak in the Western Cape as opposed to other provinces and the tragic news of increasing numbers of people dying leaves us fearful, and for those of whom have lost a loved one, heartbroken. Pragmatic reports in the news of low percentages of deaths, while necessary in weighing up the cost in economic and psychosocial terms, does little to alleviate the personal anxiety. What if that one person is someone I love?

The ongoing police brutality overwhelmingly aimed at Black People has once again come to the fore in the USA and South Africa during lockdown with the murder of Collins Khoza and George Floyd. This led to calls for a global Blackout Tuesday on social media this week which brought to the surface the pain and anger felt by people of colour for the racism they experience through overt acts as well as through systemic and structural racism. It was a stark reminder to all of us how much work still needs to be done on a national level as well as in schools such as ours. There are Old Girls of St Cyprian’s School whose memories of being students here are incredibly unhappy ones. I acknowledge their pain. We have to do better.

Also, this week, have been the mixed emotions we are experiencing about the gradual re-opening of our school. As a management team, wading through a myriad of compliance documents that seem to change with each new batch that arrives and experiencing the anxiety of understanding whether permission has been granted has been all-consuming. For parents (I am one too), trying to make a mature decision on whether to send your most precious bundle in the whole world back or not, will have caused immense second-guessing and apprehension.

Each one of us would most likely also have had a moment of happiness, your special silver lining. Mine has been the chatter and laughter of girls about the campus once more. They are the reason why we do this. We love them and they bring us joy.

Warm regards
Shelley Frayne

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

I suspect that the past week has taken many of us on an unbelievable roller-coaster ride of emotions as we have traversed the immediate and further afield impact and response to the pandemic; witnessed and reacted to the police brutality during lockdown with the responding Blackout Tuesday, and managed the return to school of some of our girls.

This impact of the pandemic is felt within every household in our community and has had devastating effects on the most vulnerable members of our nation. The seemingly earlier peak in the Western Cape as opposed to other provinces and the tragic news of increasing numbers of people dying leaves us fearful, and for those of whom have lost a loved one, heartbroken. Pragmatic reports in the news of low percentages of deaths, while necessary in weighing up the cost in economic and psychosocial terms, does little to alleviate the personal anxiety. What if that one person is someone I love?

The ongoing police brutality overwhelmingly aimed at Black People has once again come to the fore in the USA and South Africa during lockdown with the murder of Collins Khoza and George Floyd. This led to calls for a global Blackout Tuesday on social media this week which brought to the surface the pain and anger felt by people of colour for the racism they experience through overt acts as well as through systemic and structural racism. It was a stark reminder to all of us how much work still needs to be done on a national level as well as in schools such as ours. There are Old Girls of St Cyprian’s School whose memories of being students here are incredibly unhappy ones. I acknowledge their pain. We have to do better.

Also, this week, have been the mixed emotions we are experiencing about the gradual re-opening of our school. As a management team, wading through a myriad of compliance documents that seem to change with each new batch that arrives and experiencing the anxiety of understanding whether permission has been granted has been all-consuming. For parents (I am one too), trying to make a mature decision on whether to send your most precious bundle in the whole world back or not, will have caused immense second-guessing and apprehension.

Each one of us would most likely also have had a moment of happiness, your special silver lining. Mine has been the chatter and laughter of girls about the campus once more. They are the reason why we do this. We love them and they bring us joy.

Warm regards
Shelley Frayne

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

At the risk of information overload, I will attempt to cover those points pertinent to school opening that may not have been sent or need to be emphasised in this newsletter.

To put things in context, Mrs Frayne sent out her newsletter, Principal’s Perspective on Tuesday. This was followed up by a BlueSky information letter from me detailing preparatory School information. Most teachers have sent further individual class information to parents about class specific detail. Today you will also receive two further documents from me via BlueSky: class protocol for IP girls, (sent to the girls as well) and Parent information for FP drop off and pick up. The former document will form the basis of student training in classes and will be accompanied by a power point presentation. The FP girls will have already seen their child friendly video of morning procedures in which the teachers have role played the drop off.

To date, certain Grades have been able to join Mrs Frayne, Dr Siegfried and me for a Q and A session. There are more meetings arranged for later today. I have also met all the CLP parents and answered questions posed by the class. No doubt there are more, so please do not hesitate to contact me next week.

As we prepare for the staggered opening of schools, we are all understandably anxious. The School has worked hard and efficiently to ensure that the necessary protocols are in place, communication is clear and the campus and classrooms ready in line with health and safety requirements. This is the “hardware”. What I consider equally, if not more important, is the “software”- our attitude to the girls when they return ensuring that we provide a secure atmosphere where they feel safe and held. We do not worry about the academic progress we have made. It is phenomenal. We do worry about their mental health and how they will react to the new measures in place and wearing masks. There is at present no successful model to which we can aspire. We are setting the bar and I have no doubt that we will be able to hold your girls both mentally and physically during this time.

Mrs Anne Cawood, well known author of a series of books on children, child counsellor and former school counsellor, has prepared a talk for St Cyprian’s parents about returning to school. Please click on the link to access her ten-minute presentation. I do hope it will be helpful to you as you prepare your girls at home.

A few final reminders:

Girls do not have to bring their big school bags to campus. Rather put essential items into a washable bag which needs to be stored in the locker.

Girls in the IP (Grades 4 to 7) are requested to bring devices to school where they can. A letter will be published on BlueSky giving specs for those families who plan to buy a device for their child. However, for now, any device will be greatly appreciated. We have a bank of devices for girls who do not have one, but it is limited. When girls bring their devices to school, the IT department will immediately work on connectivity to ensure that school firewalls are in place. Teachers will also give further training on use of devices and cyber safety. These are unusual times but what an opportunity to get our girls educated in technology!

Please do not forget to fill in the BlueSky COVID-19 screening document. If you are having trouble, please contact the IT department. Once filled in, teachers will be able to see the green dot next to your child’s name, so will be able to proceed with further screening on campus. While some may find this cumbersome, it is a requirement by law and this is a small way we can keep each other safe. Those girls who have not been screened at home will need to be fetched until it is done.

Girls will be returning to campus wearing various combinations of the winter and sports uniform. No blazers are to be worn and rain jackets can be spray- sanitised at the end of each day. Pleas ensure girls are dressed warmly because classrooms will need to be well ventilated. The decision to wear uniform was based on the survey done recently with parents.

Girls will enjoy staggered breaks outside (weather permitting) in appointed areas and be with a class teacher on duty. During that time classes will be sanitised. The grade- three classes- will not be able to mix as this helps with subsequent contact tracing were a student to become ill.

Those girls who do not return to school immediately will not be disadvantaged in the academic offer. There will be live teaching every day via teams with breaks when girls are working or out at recess. Girls will be told what time teaching is happening and will join via teams to be part of the discussion and question session. Work will be sent via seesaw and live teaching done using teams in the FP. This same work will be covered in class. This applies to the IP too. They will use the teams platform only.

All children will be treated with compassion and empathy, especially those who may become sick at school. Part of their training is on dispelling any prejudice or stigma attached to the virus. Our School is known for their love and loyalty to the girls and this will only be heightened during this time.

On a lighter note, life goes on during a crisis. Last night we welcomed Mrs Phillips’ four-kilogram baby daughter, Charlie, into the world. We congratulate the family and wish them much joy. As Mrs Phillips pressed her “send” button on her computer for the pupil comments, her waters broke! Well done on planning your class work so well. Mrs Evans is the new class teacher and has been with the girls for the last two weeks.

In the cycle of life we also send our deep condolences to Ms Lynne Reagan in the Sports Department who lost her precious mother earlier this week.

Finally, the teachers cannot wait to see those girls returning to school. Many have warned that it will be an emotional experience that may include a few tears. We are equally aware of those girls who are staying at home, some to protect vulnerable family members. We will nurture them and not forget their mixed emotions as they join us.

Please do not forget to join our nation as we prepare for a National Day of Prayer on Sunday. If any school has the resources and capability to open successfully on Monday, it is St Cyprian’s, and for that we need to give thanks.

Warm regards,
Carol te Water

Grade 1

Grade ones learnt about the p sound last week. P as in panda and pp as in hippo. The girls tried their hand at making pizza from scratch with a magic 2 ingredient dough!

They have also continued with their coding lessons on Seesaw. The girls had to help the gingerbread man get to the gingerbread house, and collect two sweets and avoid the pesky sly fox along the way.

Grade 4

The Grade 4s, and their teachers, celebrated World Book Day.

Grade 5

The Grade 5s took part in a Come Dine with Me experience. They loved every minute and the learning went beyond the classroom!

They also wrote letters about how they were feeling during Lockdown to the President:

123 Deer Park Drive
Vredehoek
Cape Town
8001

President of South Africa
Parliament Street
Cape Town
8000

Dear Mr. President,

Benefits of the lockdown

I am writing this letter as I would like to highlight the benefits of the current lockdown. I would also like to compliment you on the great decisions you have made.

Thank you, Mr. President, for helping to prevent the spread of the coronavirus by swiftly organising the lockdown. I know there must have been some very hard decisions to make, but you made the right ones to keep our country safe. I am delighted that you decided to let us go on walks between 6am and 9am and I am sure that you put a smile on a lot of other people's faces too by letting us get out of the house to exercise.

Besides slowing down the spread of the virus, I have noticed some other positive outcomes of the lockdown. There has been less air pollution than usual and less noise too. The lockdown has also given families a chance to slow down and spend more time together.

Thank you again for all that you have done to keep us safe, but I do hope lockdown comes to an end soon so that people can start earning money again.

Kind Regards,
Inez Hall-Jorge

Glen Haw
93 Kloof Nek Road
Cape Town
8001
8 May 2020

President Cyril Ramaphosa
President of South Africa
Parliament Street
Cape Town
8000

Dear President Ramaphosa,

Positive outcomes of the lockdown

I am sending you this letter so you can see the wonderful things that you have been doing for the country. You might not even notice but you are making a difference in our lives. These are some positive outcomes that I have realized in the lockdown.

We all get to bond with our families by spending more time together at home during the lockdown. We can play with our animals in the garden and can also play boardgames and watch movies together. Everyone can connect with each other and talk about how we feel about moving forward in our lives. One of my favourite things though is that I can experience being homeschooled. Which is something I now love to do!

Thank you for making those hard decisions to keep us safe. I hope in the future that your job becomes easier. Maybe when this all dies down you could come to St. Cyprian's School so that we can all thank you in person for keeping our country safe.

Kind regards,
Scarlett Swigelaar

Grade 6

The Grade 6s did a Natural Science Crystal Experiment.

Grade 7

Grade 7 Chromotography Experiments

Ms Lang's Artroom

AFRIKAANS

The assignment was to pick any weird outfit and write commentary for it as if it was an outfit at a special St Cyprian’s fashion show.

Isabelle Cilliers Jeanné Izett

The girls were challenged to ‘Bak in Afrikaans’ after Afrikaans Recipes were posted to Teams. Within two hours, the following photos were received:
Piesangbrood en grondboontjiehappies deur Isabelle Cilliers en skons deur Ella Thornton.

Kate Dalling translated lyrics from ‘Beauty and the Beast and sang and featured in her own version of this Disney adaptation. Pragtig Kate!

isiXHOSA

In isiXhosa, the girls made Khovithi 19 Pamphlets

MUSIC

Neve Harris playing Katie's Waltz

STAFF NEWS

The Prep staff held a Virtual Baby Shower for Nichole Phillips. Everyone wore pink and the teachers played 20 questions. Questions such as how many Nappies does a baby go through in its first year of life and are babies born with kneecaps?

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

At the risk of information overload, I will attempt to cover those points pertinent to school opening that may not have been sent or need to be emphasised in this newsletter.

To put things in context, Mrs Frayne sent out her newsletter, Principal’s Perspective on Tuesday. This was followed up by a BlueSky information letter from me detailing preparatory School information. Most teachers have sent further individual class information to parents about class specific detail. Today you will also receive two further documents from me via BlueSky: class protocol for IP girls, (sent to the girls as well) and Parent information for FP drop off and pick up. The former document will form the basis of student training in classes and will be accompanied by a power point presentation. The FP girls will have already seen their child friendly video of morning procedures in which the teachers have role played the drop off.

To date, certain Grades have been able to join Mrs Frayne, Dr Siegfried and me for a Q and A session. There are more meetings arranged for later today. I have also met all the CLP parents and answered questions posed by the class. No doubt there are more, so please do not hesitate to contact me next week.

As we prepare for the staggered opening of schools, we are all understandably anxious. The School has worked hard and efficiently to ensure that the necessary protocols are in place, communication is clear and the campus and classrooms ready in line with health and safety requirements. This is the “hardware”. What I consider equally, if not more important, is the “software”- our attitude to the girls when they return ensuring that we provide a secure atmosphere where they feel safe and held. We do not worry about the academic progress we have made. It is phenomenal. We do worry about their mental health and how they will react to the new measures in place and wearing masks. There is at present no successful model to which we can aspire. We are setting the bar and I have no doubt that we will be able to hold your girls both mentally and physically during this time.

Mrs Anne Cawood, well known author of a series of books on children, child counsellor and former school counsellor, has prepared a talk for St Cyprian’s parents about returning to school. Please click on the link to access her ten-minute presentation. I do hope it will be helpful to you as you prepare your girls at home.

A few final reminders:

Girls do not have to bring their big school bags to campus. Rather put essential items into a washable bag which needs to be stored in the locker.

Girls in the IP (Grades 4 to 7) are requested to bring devices to school where they can. A letter will be published on BlueSky giving specs for those families who plan to buy a device for their child. However, for now, any device will be greatly appreciated. We have a bank of devices for girls who do not have one, but it is limited. When girls bring their devices to school, the IT department will immediately work on connectivity to ensure that school firewalls are in place. Teachers will also give further training on use of devices and cyber safety. These are unusual times but what an opportunity to get our girls educated in technology!

Please do not forget to fill in the BlueSky COVID-19 screening document. If you are having trouble, please contact the IT department. Once filled in, teachers will be able to see the green dot next to your child’s name, so will be able to proceed with further screening on campus. While some may find this cumbersome, it is a requirement by law and this is a small way we can keep each other safe. Those girls who have not been screened at home will need to be fetched until it is done.

Girls will be returning to campus wearing various combinations of the winter and sports uniform. No blazers are to be worn and rain jackets can be spray- sanitised at the end of each day. Pleas ensure girls are dressed warmly because classrooms will need to be well ventilated. The decision to wear uniform was based on the survey done recently with parents.

Girls will enjoy staggered breaks outside (weather permitting) in appointed areas and be with a class teacher on duty. During that time classes will be sanitised. The grade- three classes- will not be able to mix as this helps with subsequent contact tracing were a student to become ill.

Those girls who do not return to school immediately will not be disadvantaged in the academic offer. There will be live teaching every day via teams with breaks when girls are working or out at recess. Girls will be told what time teaching is happening and will join via teams to be part of the discussion and question session. Work will be sent via seesaw and live teaching done using teams in the FP. This same work will be covered in class. This applies to the IP too. They will use the teams platform only.

All children will be treated with compassion and empathy, especially those who may become sick at school. Part of their training is on dispelling any prejudice or stigma attached to the virus. Our School is known for their love and loyalty to the girls and this will only be heightened during this time.

On a lighter note, life goes on during a crisis. Last night we welcomed Mrs Phillips’ four-kilogram baby daughter, Charlie, into the world. We congratulate the family and wish them much joy. As Mrs Phillips pressed her “send” button on her computer for the pupil comments, her waters broke! Well done on planning your class work so well. Mrs Evans is the new class teacher and has been with the girls for the last two weeks.

In the cycle of life we also send our deep condolences to Ms Lynne Reagan in the Sports Department who lost her precious mother earlier this week.

Finally, the teachers cannot wait to see those girls returning to school. Many have warned that it will be an emotional experience that may include a few tears. We are equally aware of those girls who are staying at home, some to protect vulnerable family members. We will nurture them and not forget their mixed emotions as they join us.

Please do not forget to join our nation as we prepare for a National Day of Prayer on Sunday. If any school has the resources and capability to open successfully on Monday, it is St Cyprian’s, and for that we need to give thanks.

Warm regards,
Carol te Water

Grade 1

Grade ones learnt about the p sound last week. P as in panda and pp as in hippo. The girls tried their hand at making pizza from scratch with a magic 2 ingredient dough!

They have also continued with their coding lessons on Seesaw. The girls had to help the gingerbread man get to the gingerbread house, and collect two sweets and avoid the pesky sly fox along the way.

Grade 4

The Grade 4s, and their teachers, celebrated World Book Day.

Grade 5

The Grade 5s took part in a Come Dine with Me experience. They loved every minute and the learning went beyond the classroom!

They also wrote letters about how they were feeling during Lockdown to the President:

123 Deer Park Drive
Vredehoek
Cape Town
8001

President of South Africa
Parliament Street
Cape Town
8000

Dear Mr. President,

Benefits of the lockdown

I am writing this letter as I would like to highlight the benefits of the current lockdown. I would also like to compliment you on the great decisions you have made.

Thank you, Mr. President, for helping to prevent the spread of the coronavirus by swiftly organising the lockdown. I know there must have been some very hard decisions to make, but you made the right ones to keep our country safe. I am delighted that you decided to let us go on walks between 6am and 9am and I am sure that you put a smile on a lot of other people's faces too by letting us get out of the house to exercise.

Besides slowing down the spread of the virus, I have noticed some other positive outcomes of the lockdown. There has been less air pollution than usual and less noise too. The lockdown has also given families a chance to slow down and spend more time together.

Thank you again for all that you have done to keep us safe, but I do hope lockdown comes to an end soon so that people can start earning money again.

Kind Regards,
Inez Hall-Jorge

Glen Haw
93 Kloof Nek Road
Cape Town
8001
8 May 2020

President Cyril Ramaphosa
President of South Africa
Parliament Street
Cape Town
8000

Dear President Ramaphosa,

Positive outcomes of the lockdown

I am sending you this letter so you can see the wonderful things that you have been doing for the country. You might not even notice but you are making a difference in our lives. These are some positive outcomes that I have realized in the lockdown.

We all get to bond with our families by spending more time together at home during the lockdown. We can play with our animals in the garden and can also play boardgames and watch movies together. Everyone can connect with each other and talk about how we feel about moving forward in our lives. One of my favourite things though is that I can experience being homeschooled. Which is something I now love to do!

Thank you for making those hard decisions to keep us safe. I hope in the future that your job becomes easier. Maybe when this all dies down you could come to St. Cyprian's School so that we can all thank you in person for keeping our country safe.

Kind regards,
Scarlett Swigelaar

Grade 6

The Grade 6s did a Natural Science Crystal Experiment.

Grade 7

Grade 7 Chromotography Experiments

Ms Lang's Artroom

AFRIKAANS

The assignment was to pick any weird outfit and write commentary for it as if it was an outfit at a special St Cyprian’s fashion show.

Isabelle Cilliers Jeanné Izett

The girls were challenged to ‘Bak in Afrikaans’ after Afrikaans Recipes were posted to Teams. Within two hours, the following photos were received:
Piesangbrood en grondboontjiehappies deur Isabelle Cilliers en skons deur Ella Thornton.

Kate Dalling translated lyrics from ‘Beauty and the Beast and sang and featured in her own version of this Disney adaptation. Pragtig Kate!

isiXHOSA

In isiXhosa, the girls made Khovithi 19 Pamphlets

MUSIC

Neve Harris playing Katie's Waltz

STAFF NEWS

The Prep staff held a Virtual Baby Shower for Nichole Phillips. Everyone wore pink and the teachers played 20 questions. Questions such as how many Nappies does a baby go through in its first year of life and are babies born with kneecaps?

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

At the risk of information overload, I will attempt to cover those points pertinent to school opening that may not have been sent or need to be emphasised in this newsletter.

To put things in context, Mrs Frayne sent out her newsletter, Principal’s Perspective on Tuesday. This was followed up by a BlueSky information letter from me detailing preparatory School information. Most teachers have sent further individual class information to parents about class specific detail. Today you will also receive two further documents from me via BlueSky: class protocol for IP girls, (sent to the girls as well) and Parent information for FP drop off and pick up. The former document will form the basis of student training in classes and will be accompanied by a power point presentation. The FP girls will have already seen their child friendly video of morning procedures in which the teachers have role played the drop off.

To date, certain Grades have been able to join Mrs Frayne, Dr Siegfried and me for a Q and A session. There are more meetings arranged for later today. I have also met all the CLP parents and answered questions posed by the class. No doubt there are more, so please do not hesitate to contact me next week.

As we prepare for the staggered opening of schools, we are all understandably anxious. The School has worked hard and efficiently to ensure that the necessary protocols are in place, communication is clear and the campus and classrooms ready in line with health and safety requirements. This is the “hardware”. What I consider equally, if not more important, is the “software”- our attitude to the girls when they return ensuring that we provide a secure atmosphere where they feel safe and held. We do not worry about the academic progress we have made. It is phenomenal. We do worry about their mental health and how they will react to the new measures in place and wearing masks. There is at present no successful model to which we can aspire. We are setting the bar and I have no doubt that we will be able to hold your girls both mentally and physically during this time.

Mrs Anne Cawood, well known author of a series of books on children, child counsellor and former school counsellor, has prepared a talk for St Cyprian’s parents about returning to school. Please click on the link to access her ten-minute presentation. I do hope it will be helpful to you as you prepare your girls at home.

A few final reminders:

Girls do not have to bring their big school bags to campus. Rather put essential items into a washable bag which needs to be stored in the locker.

Girls in the IP (Grades 4 to 7) are requested to bring devices to school where they can. A letter will be published on BlueSky giving specs for those families who plan to buy a device for their child. However, for now, any device will be greatly appreciated. We have a bank of devices for girls who do not have one, but it is limited. When girls bring their devices to school, the IT department will immediately work on connectivity to ensure that school firewalls are in place. Teachers will also give further training on use of devices and cyber safety. These are unusual times but what an opportunity to get our girls educated in technology!

Please do not forget to fill in the BlueSky COVID-19 screening document. If you are having trouble, please contact the IT department. Once filled in, teachers will be able to see the green dot next to your child’s name, so will be able to proceed with further screening on campus. While some may find this cumbersome, it is a requirement by law and this is a small way we can keep each other safe. Those girls who have not been screened at home will need to be fetched until it is done.

Girls will be returning to campus wearing various combinations of the winter and sports uniform. No blazers are to be worn and rain jackets can be spray- sanitised at the end of each day. Pleas ensure girls are dressed warmly because classrooms will need to be well ventilated. The decision to wear uniform was based on the survey done recently with parents.

Girls will enjoy staggered breaks outside (weather permitting) in appointed areas and be with a class teacher on duty. During that time classes will be sanitised. The grade- three classes- will not be able to mix as this helps with subsequent contact tracing were a student to become ill.

Those girls who do not return to school immediately will not be disadvantaged in the academic offer. There will be live teaching every day via teams with breaks when girls are working or out at recess. Girls will be told what time teaching is happening and will join via teams to be part of the discussion and question session. Work will be sent via seesaw and live teaching done using teams in the FP. This same work will be covered in class. This applies to the IP too. They will use the teams platform only.

All children will be treated with compassion and empathy, especially those who may become sick at school. Part of their training is on dispelling any prejudice or stigma attached to the virus. Our School is known for their love and loyalty to the girls and this will only be heightened during this time.

On a lighter note, life goes on during a crisis. Last night we welcomed Mrs Phillips’ four-kilogram baby daughter, Charlie, into the world. We congratulate the family and wish them much joy. As Mrs Phillips pressed her “send” button on her computer for the pupil comments, her waters broke! Well done on planning your class work so well. Mrs Evans is the new class teacher and has been with the girls for the last two weeks.

In the cycle of life we also send our deep condolences to Ms Lynne Reagan in the Sports Department who lost her precious mother earlier this week.

Finally, the teachers cannot wait to see those girls returning to school. Many have warned that it will be an emotional experience that may include a few tears. We are equally aware of those girls who are staying at home, some to protect vulnerable family members. We will nurture them and not forget their mixed emotions as they join us.

Please do not forget to join our nation as we prepare for a National Day of Prayer on Sunday. If any school has the resources and capability to open successfully on Monday, it is St Cyprian’s, and for that we need to give thanks.

Warm regards,
Carol te Water

Grade 1

Grade ones learnt about the p sound last week. P as in panda and pp as in hippo. The girls tried their hand at making pizza from scratch with a magic 2 ingredient dough!

They have also continued with their coding lessons on Seesaw. The girls had to help the gingerbread man get to the gingerbread house, and collect two sweets and avoid the pesky sly fox along the way.

Grade 4

The Grade 4s, and their teachers, celebrated World Book Day.

Grade 5

The Grade 5s took part in a Come Dine with Me experience. They loved every minute and the learning went beyond the classroom!

They also wrote letters about how they were feeling during Lockdown to the President:

123 Deer Park Drive
Vredehoek
Cape Town
8001

President of South Africa
Parliament Street
Cape Town
8000

Dear Mr. President,

Benefits of the lockdown

I am writing this letter as I would like to highlight the benefits of the current lockdown. I would also like to compliment you on the great decisions you have made.

Thank you, Mr. President, for helping to prevent the spread of the coronavirus by swiftly organising the lockdown. I know there must have been some very hard decisions to make, but you made the right ones to keep our country safe. I am delighted that you decided to let us go on walks between 6am and 9am and I am sure that you put a smile on a lot of other people's faces too by letting us get out of the house to exercise.

Besides slowing down the spread of the virus, I have noticed some other positive outcomes of the lockdown. There has been less air pollution than usual and less noise too. The lockdown has also given families a chance to slow down and spend more time together.

Thank you again for all that you have done to keep us safe, but I do hope lockdown comes to an end soon so that people can start earning money again.

Kind Regards,
Inez Hall-Jorge

Glen Haw
93 Kloof Nek Road
Cape Town
8001
8 May 2020

President Cyril Ramaphosa
President of South Africa
Parliament Street
Cape Town
8000

Dear President Ramaphosa,

Positive outcomes of the lockdown

I am sending you this letter so you can see the wonderful things that you have been doing for the country. You might not even notice but you are making a difference in our lives. These are some positive outcomes that I have realized in the lockdown.

We all get to bond with our families by spending more time together at home during the lockdown. We can play with our animals in the garden and can also play boardgames and watch movies together. Everyone can connect with each other and talk about how we feel about moving forward in our lives. One of my favourite things though is that I can experience being homeschooled. Which is something I now love to do!

Thank you for making those hard decisions to keep us safe. I hope in the future that your job becomes easier. Maybe when this all dies down you could come to St. Cyprian's School so that we can all thank you in person for keeping our country safe.

Kind regards,
Scarlett Swigelaar

Grade 6

The Grade 6s did a Natural Science Crystal Experiment.

Grade 7

Grade 7 Chromotography Experiments

Ms Lang's Artroom

AFRIKAANS

The assignment was to pick any weird outfit and write commentary for it as if it was an outfit at a special St Cyprian’s fashion show.

Isabelle Cilliers Jeanné Izett

The girls were challenged to ‘Bak in Afrikaans’ after Afrikaans Recipes were posted to Teams. Within two hours, the following photos were received:
Piesangbrood en grondboontjiehappies deur Isabelle Cilliers en skons deur Ella Thornton.

Kate Dalling translated lyrics from ‘Beauty and the Beast and sang and featured in her own version of this Disney adaptation. Pragtig Kate!

isiXHOSA

In isiXhosa, the girls made Khovithi 19 Pamphlets

MUSIC

Neve Harris playing Katie's Waltz

STAFF NEWS

The Prep staff held a Virtual Baby Shower for Nichole Phillips. Everyone wore pink and the teachers played 20 questions. Questions such as how many Nappies does a baby go through in its first year of life and are babies born with kneecaps?

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

At the risk of information overload, I will attempt to cover those points pertinent to school opening that may not have been sent or need to be emphasised in this newsletter.

To put things in context, Mrs Frayne sent out her newsletter, Principal’s Perspective on Tuesday. This was followed up by a BlueSky information letter from me detailing preparatory School information. Most teachers have sent further individual class information to parents about class specific detail. Today you will also receive two further documents from me via BlueSky: class protocol for IP girls, (sent to the girls as well) and Parent information for FP drop off and pick up. The former document will form the basis of student training in classes and will be accompanied by a power point presentation. The FP girls will have already seen their child friendly video of morning procedures in which the teachers have role played the drop off.

To date, certain Grades have been able to join Mrs Frayne, Dr Siegfried and me for a Q and A session. There are more meetings arranged for later today. I have also met all the CLP parents and answered questions posed by the class. No doubt there are more, so please do not hesitate to contact me next week.

As we prepare for the staggered opening of schools, we are all understandably anxious. The School has worked hard and efficiently to ensure that the necessary protocols are in place, communication is clear and the campus and classrooms ready in line with health and safety requirements. This is the “hardware”. What I consider equally, if not more important, is the “software”- our attitude to the girls when they return ensuring that we provide a secure atmosphere where they feel safe and held. We do not worry about the academic progress we have made. It is phenomenal. We do worry about their mental health and how they will react to the new measures in place and wearing masks. There is at present no successful model to which we can aspire. We are setting the bar and I have no doubt that we will be able to hold your girls both mentally and physically during this time.

Mrs Anne Cawood, well known author of a series of books on children, child counsellor and former school counsellor, has prepared a talk for St Cyprian’s parents about returning to school. Please click on the link to access her ten-minute presentation. I do hope it will be helpful to you as you prepare your girls at home.

A few final reminders:

Girls do not have to bring their big school bags to campus. Rather put essential items into a washable bag which needs to be stored in the locker.

Girls in the IP (Grades 4 to 7) are requested to bring devices to school where they can. A letter will be published on BlueSky giving specs for those families who plan to buy a device for their child. However, for now, any device will be greatly appreciated. We have a bank of devices for girls who do not have one, but it is limited. When girls bring their devices to school, the IT department will immediately work on connectivity to ensure that school firewalls are in place. Teachers will also give further training on use of devices and cyber safety. These are unusual times but what an opportunity to get our girls educated in technology!

Please do not forget to fill in the BlueSky COVID-19 screening document. If you are having trouble, please contact the IT department. Once filled in, teachers will be able to see the green dot next to your child’s name, so will be able to proceed with further screening on campus. While some may find this cumbersome, it is a requirement by law and this is a small way we can keep each other safe. Those girls who have not been screened at home will need to be fetched until it is done.

Girls will be returning to campus wearing various combinations of the winter and sports uniform. No blazers are to be worn and rain jackets can be spray- sanitised at the end of each day. Pleas ensure girls are dressed warmly because classrooms will need to be well ventilated. The decision to wear uniform was based on the survey done recently with parents.

Girls will enjoy staggered breaks outside (weather permitting) in appointed areas and be with a class teacher on duty. During that time classes will be sanitised. The grade- three classes- will not be able to mix as this helps with subsequent contact tracing were a student to become ill.

Those girls who do not return to school immediately will not be disadvantaged in the academic offer. There will be live teaching every day via teams with breaks when girls are working or out at recess. Girls will be told what time teaching is happening and will join via teams to be part of the discussion and question session. Work will be sent via seesaw and live teaching done using teams in the FP. This same work will be covered in class. This applies to the IP too. They will use the teams platform only.

All children will be treated with compassion and empathy, especially those who may become sick at school. Part of their training is on dispelling any prejudice or stigma attached to the virus. Our School is known for their love and loyalty to the girls and this will only be heightened during this time.

On a lighter note, life goes on during a crisis. Last night we welcomed Mrs Phillips’ four-kilogram baby daughter, Charlie, into the world. We congratulate the family and wish them much joy. As Mrs Phillips pressed her “send” button on her computer for the pupil comments, her waters broke! Well done on planning your class work so well. Mrs Evans is the new class teacher and has been with the girls for the last two weeks.

In the cycle of life we also send our deep condolences to Ms Lynne Reagan in the Sports Department who lost her precious mother earlier this week.

Finally, the teachers cannot wait to see those girls returning to school. Many have warned that it will be an emotional experience that may include a few tears. We are equally aware of those girls who are staying at home, some to protect vulnerable family members. We will nurture them and not forget their mixed emotions as they join us.

Please do not forget to join our nation as we prepare for a National Day of Prayer on Sunday. If any school has the resources and capability to open successfully on Monday, it is St Cyprian’s, and for that we need to give thanks.

Warm regards,
Carol te Water

Grade 1

Grade ones learnt about the p sound last week. P as in panda and pp as in hippo. The girls tried their hand at making pizza from scratch with a magic 2 ingredient dough!

They have also continued with their coding lessons on Seesaw. The girls had to help the gingerbread man get to the gingerbread house, and collect two sweets and avoid the pesky sly fox along the way.

Grade 4

The Grade 4s, and their teachers, celebrated World Book Day.

Grade 5

The Grade 5s took part in a Come Dine with Me experience. They loved every minute and the learning went beyond the classroom!

They also wrote letters about how they were feeling during Lockdown to the President:

123 Deer Park Drive
Vredehoek
Cape Town
8001

President of South Africa
Parliament Street
Cape Town
8000

Dear Mr. President,

Benefits of the lockdown

I am writing this letter as I would like to highlight the benefits of the current lockdown. I would also like to compliment you on the great decisions you have made.

Thank you, Mr. President, for helping to prevent the spread of the coronavirus by swiftly organising the lockdown. I know there must have been some very hard decisions to make, but you made the right ones to keep our country safe. I am delighted that you decided to let us go on walks between 6am and 9am and I am sure that you put a smile on a lot of other people's faces too by letting us get out of the house to exercise.

Besides slowing down the spread of the virus, I have noticed some other positive outcomes of the lockdown. There has been less air pollution than usual and less noise too. The lockdown has also given families a chance to slow down and spend more time together.

Thank you again for all that you have done to keep us safe, but I do hope lockdown comes to an end soon so that people can start earning money again.

Kind Regards,
Inez Hall-Jorge

Glen Haw
93 Kloof Nek Road
Cape Town
8001
8 May 2020

President Cyril Ramaphosa
President of South Africa
Parliament Street
Cape Town
8000

Dear President Ramaphosa,

Positive outcomes of the lockdown

I am sending you this letter so you can see the wonderful things that you have been doing for the country. You might not even notice but you are making a difference in our lives. These are some positive outcomes that I have realized in the lockdown.

We all get to bond with our families by spending more time together at home during the lockdown. We can play with our animals in the garden and can also play boardgames and watch movies together. Everyone can connect with each other and talk about how we feel about moving forward in our lives. One of my favourite things though is that I can experience being homeschooled. Which is something I now love to do!

Thank you for making those hard decisions to keep us safe. I hope in the future that your job becomes easier. Maybe when this all dies down you could come to St. Cyprian's School so that we can all thank you in person for keeping our country safe.

Kind regards,
Scarlett Swigelaar

Grade 6

The Grade 6s did a Natural Science Crystal Experiment.

Grade 7

Grade 7 Chromotography Experiments

Ms Lang's Artroom

AFRIKAANS

The assignment was to pick any weird outfit and write commentary for it as if it was an outfit at a special St Cyprian’s fashion show.

Isabelle Cilliers Jeanné Izett

The girls were challenged to ‘Bak in Afrikaans’ after Afrikaans Recipes were posted to Teams. Within two hours, the following photos were received:
Piesangbrood en grondboontjiehappies deur Isabelle Cilliers en skons deur Ella Thornton.

Kate Dalling translated lyrics from ‘Beauty and the Beast and sang and featured in her own version of this Disney adaptation. Pragtig Kate!

isiXHOSA

In isiXhosa, the girls made Khovithi 19 Pamphlets

MUSIC

Neve Harris playing Katie's Waltz

STAFF NEWS

The Prep staff held a Virtual Baby Shower for Nichole Phillips. Everyone wore pink and the teachers played 20 questions. Questions such as how many Nappies does a baby go through in its first year of life and are babies born with kneecaps?

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

Often in tragic or challenging times, we see the best of humankind; I think partially because, as humans, we have within us an inborn capacity and drive to step up when it is needed, and in part because that good has always been happening around us but we are more in tune to recognizing it and acknowledging it.

And there is much good that is happening and continues to happen all around us. The altruistic side of me feels that we should be doing it without publishing or admitting it; and the practical side knows that if it is not mentioned, we are criticized for not doing our bit. I wish to assure you that St Cyprian’s School has remained active within the community in a number of ways: teachers are teaching on Worksheet Cloud which offers free online school to South African pupils; we have continued to grow our relationship with Good Hope Seminary School in assisting with infrastructure and the provision of 1000 cloth masks for their students; and we have launched ‘Cans with a Purpose’ in order to mobilize and unify the response of our community in a sustainable way. More on this initiative will follow next week.

The best has also come to the fore within the school; I concede that every school has highlights in this area, but it is good on a platform such as this to celebrate ours.

The teachers have been quite phenomenal in the way they have quickly changed ‘teaching-and-learning’ platforms and I have been delighted in meetings to note their professional development and confidence growth in the distance-learning scenario. Added to that, they are already exploring ways to teach in front of the class while at the same time live streaming their lessons to ensure that students at home have equitable opportunities to learn. This dual model brings with it additional pressures and preparation and they are energetically collaborating to explore what best practice will look like in such a scenario. And lastly, I have suggested to them that each of their students will need an individual subject comment on their reports so that we are providing credible feedback, and they have embraced this task readily also. The teaching faculty is exhausted but really deserves a pat on the back.

We talk so often about the need to build resilience in our young people. Well, I submit that when it has really counted, the SCS students have demonstrated this in abundance. They have had their worlds turned upside down: besides the highlights of school being taken away from the sportswomen, the musicians, the artists, the student leaders, and others, the social aspect of their lives has moved totally into a virtual space. I propose that they have risen to the challenge and have been quite exceptional in their ‘can-do’ attitude and commitment. Well done to them! As an aside, the intensity and monotony of online learning will mean that there will be the occasional meltdowns and even balls that are dropped; let us make allowances for this every now and then.

There have also been other highlights such as the incredible online sports programme being run; please encourage your girls to sign up and participate as this is a wonderful outlet for them. The music concert last evening was extraordinary, and I sat watching it reflecting on how brave our musicians are to perform online in front of an invisible audience with no direct feedback. Congratulations to those girls and to the Music department. Mr. Ross Johnson has also reworked entire Music Theory textbooks so that girls can be taught these online; this is translated into hours of commitment and dedication. Art and Design students have managed to produce superb work from home and Drama has found wonderfully creative ways of continuing their practical work. Rev. Andrew’s Chapel services are uplifting and another superb way of maintaining connectivity; I thank him especially for the Ascension Day service yesterday.

The human spirit is quite remarkable, and it is heart-warming to witness this firsthand.

In closing, I wish our high school families a lovely weekend, and our Muslim families a blessed Eid.

Warm regards
Shelley Frayne

Drama News

The Grade 11 Drama students are currently working on a practical task "Life imitating Art, imitating life", in which they are required to re-imagine and re-create famous works of art: some accurately and others with a 'lockdown twist'. We will share these re-imaginings with the St Cyprian's community next week...but here is a taste of what you can expect, courtesy of Julia Rubin....

Grade 8 Drama Readings

Grade 10s as various characters in costume for their online reading of "Everyman", a Medieval Morality Play.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"This very moment calls for you to rise to the test
and show your challenges what you are truly made of."

- Edmond Mbiaka

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

Often in tragic or challenging times, we see the best of humankind; I think partially because, as humans, we have within us an inborn capacity and drive to step up when it is needed, and in part because that good has always been happening around us but we are more in tune to recognizing it and acknowledging it.

And there is much good that is happening and continues to happen all around us. The altruistic side of me feels that we should be doing it without publishing or admitting it; and the practical side knows that if it is not mentioned, we are criticized for not doing our bit. I wish to assure you that St Cyprian’s School has remained active within the community in a number of ways: teachers are teaching on Worksheet Cloud which offers free online school to South African pupils; we have continued to grow our relationship with Good Hope Seminary School in assisting with infrastructure and the provision of 1000 cloth masks for their students; and we have launched ‘Cans with a Purpose’ in order to mobilize and unify the response of our community in a sustainable way. More on this initiative will follow next week.

The best has also come to the fore within the school; I concede that every school has highlights in this area, but it is good on a platform such as this to celebrate ours.

The teachers have been quite phenomenal in the way they have quickly changed ‘teaching-and-learning’ platforms and I have been delighted in meetings to note their professional development and confidence growth in the distance-learning scenario. Added to that, they are already exploring ways to teach in front of the class while at the same time live streaming their lessons to ensure that students at home have equitable opportunities to learn. This dual model brings with it additional pressures and preparation and they are energetically collaborating to explore what best practice will look like in such a scenario. And lastly, I have suggested to them that each of their students will need an individual subject comment on their reports so that we are providing credible feedback, and they have embraced this task readily also. The teaching faculty is exhausted but really deserves a pat on the back.

We talk so often about the need to build resilience in our young people. Well, I submit that when it has really counted, the SCS students have demonstrated this in abundance. They have had their worlds turned upside down: besides the highlights of school being taken away from the sportswomen, the musicians, the artists, the student leaders, and others, the social aspect of their lives has moved totally into a virtual space. I propose that they have risen to the challenge and have been quite exceptional in their ‘can-do’ attitude and commitment. Well done to them! As an aside, the intensity and monotony of online learning will mean that there will be the occasional meltdowns and even balls that are dropped; let us make allowances for this every now and then.

There have also been other highlights such as the incredible online sports programme being run; please encourage your girls to sign up and participate as this is a wonderful outlet for them. The music concert last evening was extraordinary, and I sat watching it reflecting on how brave our musicians are to perform online in front of an invisible audience with no direct feedback. Congratulations to those girls and to the Music department. Mr. Ross Johnson has also reworked entire Music Theory textbooks so that girls can be taught these online; this is translated into hours of commitment and dedication. Art and Design students have managed to produce superb work from home and Drama has found wonderfully creative ways of continuing their practical work. Rev. Andrew’s Chapel services are uplifting and another superb way of maintaining connectivity; I thank him especially for the Ascension Day service yesterday.

The human spirit is quite remarkable, and it is heart-warming to witness this firsthand.

In closing, I wish our high school families a lovely weekend, and our Muslim families a blessed Eid.

Warm regards
Shelley Frayne

Drama News

The Grade 11 Drama students are currently working on a practical task "Life imitating Art, imitating life", in which they are required to re-imagine and re-create famous works of art: some accurately and others with a 'lockdown twist'. We will share these re-imaginings with the St Cyprian's community next week...but here is a taste of what you can expect, courtesy of Julia Rubin....

Grade 8 Drama Readings

Grade 10s as various characters in costume for their online reading of "Everyman", a Medieval Morality Play.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"This very moment calls for you to rise to the test
and show your challenges what you are truly made of."

- Edmond Mbiaka

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

The announcement by our Minister of Basic Education has elicited mixed feelings of anxiety, trepidation, and relief, together with a multitude of questions. Where there is anxiety and fear for the safety of the girls on their return to school, I want to assure you that the school is taking every reasonable precaution to ensure that the girls remain safe. Protocols to be put in place, based on best practices, have been extensively discussed and details of these will be sent out to you in due course. As soon as I have confirmation on the return dates and phasing in of our children, I will communicate this to you as well.

Children are vulnerable to the emotional impact of traumatic events that disrupt their routines such as school closure, social distancing and being confined at home. This has impacted their sense of security. Children are keen observers of people and their environment, and they notice and react to stress in their parents and teachers. They may react with fear, worry, sadness and anger about these changes. Children may also worry about their own safety and the safety of their loved ones.

The teachers and I have been in discussions on how we can help allay these fears and ease their transition upon their return to school. The children will receive “training” when they get to school. In the meantime, during our lessons and Teams interaction, we will start using masks and talk about the need for physical distancing. Photographs of the classes with the screens in place will be sent home and this can be discussed with the children before they arrive at school. I am thinking of ideas to get them excited such as decorating their own masks, and I would also welcome other suggestions you may have. As mentioned in my previous newsletter, paying attention to the psychosocial impact of this pandemic is far more important at this stage than the effect on their academics.

I am including some guidance on how to protect our girls from the emotional trauma of the pandemic:

Understand that reactions to the pandemic may vary
Children’s responses to stressful events are unique and varied. Some children may be irritable or clingy, and some may regress and demand extra attention. New and challenging behaviours are natural responses, and you can help by showing empathy and patience and by calmly setting limits when needed.

Ensure the presence of a sensitive and responsive adult
Offer them consistent, sensitive care that helps protect them from the stress of changes to their routine.

Social distancing should not mean social isolation
Children - especially young children - need quality time with their parents and other important people in their lives. Social connectedness improves children’s chances of showing resilience to adversity.

Provide age-appropriate information
Children tend to rely on their imaginations when they lack adequate information. Over-exposure to news and social media about the pandemic and constant conversation about threats to safety can cause unnecessary stress for children. Rather than withholding information, tell children the truth in age-appropriate ways.

Keep children busy
When children are bored, their levels of worry and disruptive behaviours may increase. Children need ample time to engage in play and other joyful or learning experiences without worrying or talking about the pandemic

[https://www.childtrends.org/publications]

Despite the anxieties that come with the COVID-19 pandemic and returning to school following an extended break, many experts believe that heading back to class during these times could be beneficial for children’s mental health. Even though many children are connecting with friends virtually, these cannot replace in-person social interactions. Children also thrive on the routine that going back to school will bring.

If you decide for any reason not to send your daughter to school, please be assured that the school will ensure that she is not disadvantaged. The lessons will be live-streamed and additional resources such as worksheets and workbooks will be sent home.

Thanks once again for your ongoing support and cooperation.

In ending, I wish to congratulate Ms Rozelle Bezuidenhout, our Grade R teacher, who has just completed her Honours Bachelor of Education (specialisation in Psycho-Educational Support). Well done!

Warm regards,
Sulochnee Nair

Look at what our girls have been up to!

GRADE R

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANNE FITZGERALD - 14 MAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING TIGGY WINKLES
Amelia Wieffering - 14 May | Ava De Vries - 15 May

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO IVY RAE KRETZMANN - 9 MAY

GRADE 00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KATHERINE ZEINO - 14 MAY

GRADE 000

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AVA BISHOP - 18 MAY

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"You never know how strong you are
until being strong is the only choice you have."

- Bob Marley

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

The announcement by our Minister of Basic Education has elicited mixed feelings of anxiety, trepidation, and relief, together with a multitude of questions. Where there is anxiety and fear for the safety of the girls on their return to school, I want to assure you that the school is taking every reasonable precaution to ensure that the girls remain safe. Protocols to be put in place, based on best practices, have been extensively discussed and details of these will be sent out to you in due course. As soon as I have confirmation on the return dates and phasing in of our children, I will communicate this to you as well.

Children are vulnerable to the emotional impact of traumatic events that disrupt their routines such as school closure, social distancing and being confined at home. This has impacted their sense of security. Children are keen observers of people and their environment, and they notice and react to stress in their parents and teachers. They may react with fear, worry, sadness and anger about these changes. Children may also worry about their own safety and the safety of their loved ones.

The teachers and I have been in discussions on how we can help allay these fears and ease their transition upon their return to school. The children will receive “training” when they get to school. In the meantime, during our lessons and Teams interaction, we will start using masks and talk about the need for physical distancing. Photographs of the classes with the screens in place will be sent home and this can be discussed with the children before they arrive at school. I am thinking of ideas to get them excited such as decorating their own masks, and I would also welcome other suggestions you may have. As mentioned in my previous newsletter, paying attention to the psychosocial impact of this pandemic is far more important at this stage than the effect on their academics.

I am including some guidance on how to protect our girls from the emotional trauma of the pandemic:

Understand that reactions to the pandemic may vary
Children’s responses to stressful events are unique and varied. Some children may be irritable or clingy, and some may regress and demand extra attention. New and challenging behaviours are natural responses, and you can help by showing empathy and patience and by calmly setting limits when needed.

Ensure the presence of a sensitive and responsive adult
Offer them consistent, sensitive care that helps protect them from the stress of changes to their routine.

Social distancing should not mean social isolation
Children - especially young children - need quality time with their parents and other important people in their lives. Social connectedness improves children’s chances of showing resilience to adversity.

Provide age-appropriate information
Children tend to rely on their imaginations when they lack adequate information. Over-exposure to news and social media about the pandemic and constant conversation about threats to safety can cause unnecessary stress for children. Rather than withholding information, tell children the truth in age-appropriate ways.

Keep children busy
When children are bored, their levels of worry and disruptive behaviours may increase. Children need ample time to engage in play and other joyful or learning experiences without worrying or talking about the pandemic

[https://www.childtrends.org/publications]

Despite the anxieties that come with the COVID-19 pandemic and returning to school following an extended break, many experts believe that heading back to class during these times could be beneficial for children’s mental health. Even though many children are connecting with friends virtually, these cannot replace in-person social interactions. Children also thrive on the routine that going back to school will bring.

If you decide for any reason not to send your daughter to school, please be assured that the school will ensure that she is not disadvantaged. The lessons will be live-streamed and additional resources such as worksheets and workbooks will be sent home.

Thanks once again for your ongoing support and cooperation.

In ending, I wish to congratulate Ms Rozelle Bezuidenhout, our Grade R teacher, who has just completed her Honours Bachelor of Education (specialisation in Psycho-Educational Support). Well done!

Warm regards,
Sulochnee Nair

Look at what our girls have been up to!

GRADE R

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANNE FITZGERALD - 14 MAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING TIGGY WINKLES
Amelia Wieffering - 14 May | Ava De Vries - 15 May

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO IVY RAE KRETZMANN - 9 MAY

GRADE 00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KATHERINE ZEINO - 14 MAY

GRADE 000

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AVA BISHOP - 18 MAY

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"You never know how strong you are
until being strong is the only choice you have."

- Bob Marley

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

It is with a sense of profound relief that I write you today following on from Minister Angie Motshekga’s briefing last night. Unexpectedly, all schools in South Africa have been given the green light to open on 1 June and, although the minister specified that this was to be a phased reopening beginning with Grades 7 & 12, she also hinted at independent schools and smaller schools being permitted to operate outside those parameters. We hope to hear within the next day or two what this means.

We plan to publish a SCS COVID Mission Statement soon but for now, in addition to our original mission, we aim to meet the following objectives:

To create an environment through the establishment of protocols which govern screening, hygiene, cleaning, social distancing, educational and informational programs, the wearing of PPEs and every safety precaution possible, that ensures that SCS does not become a place where the virus is allowed to spread.

To create a learning environment best suited to the learning style and needs of the individual student. We know that some girls are thriving on the distance-learning platform while others are floundering. We aim to deliver an equitable educational offering regardless as to whether the student is at home or at school. To this end, lessons taught at school will be live streamed to girls at home, and some lessons at school will be taught online in instances where a teacher is considered high-risk.

Given the above, a student will only be recorded as absent if she is neither online at the required time nor physically at school. There will be no pressure exerted on students to come to school and staff and students will be strongly encouraged to stay at home if they feel unwell in any way.

Our re-opening is subject to us meeting certain standards and behaviours as determined by the Department of Health and the Department of Basic Education (DBE). We have sought the advice of epidemiologists and been guided by ISASA so that we do not merely comply but in fact go beyond the basic requirements. We have also hired a specialist services company in the field of Health and Safety certification to advise us on compliance and assist us with additional safety measures. I appeal to parents to trust that we have all the documentation and protocols in place; we are extremely risk-averse to putting our girls or staff in harm’s way. I refer you to my last Principal’s Perspective which also addressed some of this. All previous communications are on our website: https://www.stcyprians.co.za/media-hub/

In preparation for your daughter’s return to school, please note the following:

Students will be required to have two masks at school every day as they will be required to change these during the course of the day. Wearing of masks is mandatory, except during mealtimes. You are welcome to supply your own if they meet the requirement of a minimum of three layers, or the girls can purchase these on account at school. We have made these in several colours and patterns and they can be bought at R30 per mask. Our masks include a removable filter.

Visors are optional and will be on sale at school at R45.

You will be required to fill in a health form online every morning prior to bringing your child to school. If her temperature is above 38 or she answers yes to any of the questions on the form, she will need to stay home. The link to these forms will be sent to you closer to the time.

At school, each student’s temperature will be taken once more.

Students may wear either winter uniform (no blazer), or tracksuits or sports kit. This is to allow sufficient variety for clean clothes to be worn every day. Evidence strongly points to a clean set of clothes being worn daily as an important aspect of prevention of virus spread.

Given that some lessons at school will be taught online, each student is required to bring her own set of earphones to school.

There will be no tuckshop or lunch offered at school. Students are requested to bring their lunch in clearly marked plastic containers.

Bags will not be permitted in the classrooms and the girls will make use of their lockers between lessons.

All staff and students will be required to go through education and training on understanding how COVID-19 spreads and how to avoid infecting others or being infected. This training will be done online at home prior to return and once again on the first day that a grade returns per the phasing-in recommendations that are yet to be confirmed. There will be daily reminders of protocols to be followed at the start of the first lesson, supported by a poster campaign throughout the school.

I will inform you of which grades are to return as soon as I have confirmation that we are permitted to be independent in this decision. For now, I can confirm that Grade 7 and Grade 12 will be taught at school from 1 June, as well as online for parents who, for whatever reason, elect to keep their daughters at home. Boarders will return to Katherine House as and when their grade returns to school. Please note that we will revert to normal school hours from 1 June. I hope, within a few days, to inform you that other grades will be able to return and even further grades a week later.

Teachers are exhausted as are many of the students; this is because online teaching is incredibly intense and takes considerably more preparation. As a result, we will be building in a ‘St Catch-Up’s Day’ on Friday 29 May to create a long weekend. Girls can use that time to rest or to catch up on assignments and projects outstanding or, particularly in the case of Matrics, to study for tests. There will be no online teaching on 29 May. We will be running a test week for Matrics from 8 – 12 June.

St Cyprian’s School will also be taking a June break from 13 – 29 June inclusive, after which we hope to welcome back all our girls and will continue to offer the distance-learning alternative for students not physically at school. Term 3 will start on Tuesday 30 June.

We are excited to be emerging from this strict lockdown period and we look forward to welcoming our girls back. We approach this time however, mindful that there are risks and that each family will have unique circumstances added into the mix. We commit to taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety of your daughters and to respecting the decision and right of individual parents to choose what they feel is best for their own children.

Warm regards
Shelley Frayne

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

It is with a sense of profound relief that I write you today following on from Minister Angie Motshekga’s briefing last night. Unexpectedly, all schools in South Africa have been given the green light to open on 1 June and, although the minister specified that this was to be a phased reopening beginning with Grades 7 & 12, she also hinted at independent schools and smaller schools being permitted to operate outside those parameters. We hope to hear within the next day or two what this means.

We plan to publish a SCS COVID Mission Statement soon but for now, in addition to our original mission, we aim to meet the following objectives:

To create an environment through the establishment of protocols which govern screening, hygiene, cleaning, social distancing, educational and informational programs, the wearing of PPEs and every safety precaution possible, that ensures that SCS does not become a place where the virus is allowed to spread.

To create a learning environment best suited to the learning style and needs of the individual student. We know that some girls are thriving on the distance-learning platform while others are floundering. We aim to deliver an equitable educational offering regardless as to whether the student is at home or at school. To this end, lessons taught at school will be live streamed to girls at home, and some lessons at school will be taught online in instances where a teacher is considered high-risk.

Given the above, a student will only be recorded as absent if she is neither online at the required time nor physically at school. There will be no pressure exerted on students to come to school and staff and students will be strongly encouraged to stay at home if they feel unwell in any way.

Our re-opening is subject to us meeting certain standards and behaviours as determined by the Department of Health and the Department of Basic Education (DBE). We have sought the advice of epidemiologists and been guided by ISASA so that we do not merely comply but in fact go beyond the basic requirements. We have also hired a specialist services company in the field of Health and Safety certification to advise us on compliance and assist us with additional safety measures. I appeal to parents to trust that we have all the documentation and protocols in place; we are extremely risk-averse to putting our girls or staff in harm’s way. I refer you to my last Principal’s Perspective which also addressed some of this. All previous communications are on our website: https://www.stcyprians.co.za/media-hub/

In preparation for your daughter’s return to school, please note the following:

Students will be required to have two masks at school every day as they will be required to change these during the course of the day. Wearing of masks is mandatory, except during mealtimes. You are welcome to supply your own if they meet the requirement of a minimum of three layers, or the girls can purchase these on account at school. We have made these in several colours and patterns and they can be bought at R30 per mask. Our masks include a removable filter.

Visors are optional and will be on sale at school at R45.

You will be required to fill in a health form online every morning prior to bringing your child to school. If her temperature is above 38 or she answers yes to any of the questions on the form, she will need to stay home. The link to these forms will be sent to you closer to the time.

At school, each student’s temperature will be taken once more.

Students may wear either winter uniform (no blazer), or tracksuits or sports kit. This is to allow sufficient variety for clean clothes to be worn every day. Evidence strongly points to a clean set of clothes being worn daily as an important aspect of prevention of virus spread.

Given that some lessons at school will be taught online, each student is required to bring her own set of earphones to school.

There will be no tuckshop or lunch offered at school. Students are requested to bring their lunch in clearly marked plastic containers.

Bags will not be permitted in the classrooms and the girls will make use of their lockers between lessons.

All staff and students will be required to go through education and training on understanding how COVID-19 spreads and how to avoid infecting others or being infected. This training will be done online at home prior to return and once again on the first day that a grade returns per the phasing-in recommendations that are yet to be confirmed. There will be daily reminders of protocols to be followed at the start of the first lesson, supported by a poster campaign throughout the school.

I will inform you of which grades are to return as soon as I have confirmation that we are permitted to be independent in this decision. For now, I can confirm that Grade 7 and Grade 12 will be taught at school from 1 June, as well as online for parents who, for whatever reason, elect to keep their daughters at home. Boarders will return to Katherine House as and when their grade returns to school. Please note that we will revert to normal school hours from 1 June. I hope, within a few days, to inform you that other grades will be able to return and even further grades a week later.

Teachers are exhausted as are many of the students; this is because online teaching is incredibly intense and takes considerably more preparation. As a result, we will be building in a ‘St Catch-Up’s Day’ on Friday 29 May to create a long weekend. Girls can use that time to rest or to catch up on assignments and projects outstanding or, particularly in the case of Matrics, to study for tests. There will be no online teaching on 29 May. We will be running a test week for Matrics from 8 – 12 June.

St Cyprian’s School will also be taking a June break from 13 – 29 June inclusive, after which we hope to welcome back all our girls and will continue to offer the distance-learning alternative for students not physically at school. Term 3 will start on Tuesday 30 June.

We are excited to be emerging from this strict lockdown period and we look forward to welcoming our girls back. We approach this time however, mindful that there are risks and that each family will have unique circumstances added into the mix. We commit to taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety of your daughters and to respecting the decision and right of individual parents to choose what they feel is best for their own children.

Warm regards
Shelley Frayne

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

Again I need to start this newsletter with thanking our parent body for the huge support they have given the girls in their distance learning and our teachers in their endeavours to teach and keep in contact with their charges in these unusual circumstances. I often refer to a school as being a partnership between teacher, parent and child and this is more true now than ever before.

We have learned valuable lessons over the last few weeks, mainly around the meaning of living intensely with one’s immediately family and remotely with the wider community, especially school. The girls have had to display tenacity, accountability and responsibility on their journey towards independent learning.

I am in daily contact with teachers, pupils and parents. The feedback has been most interesting:
Teachers have been encouraged and delighted by the progress of their girls. The work submitted is often beyond their expectations, to the point that in some subjects, they are ahead in curriculum delivery. In the Foundation Phase teachers have seen a marked improvement in reading skills. In the upper grades, girls are learning to read for meaning and follow instructions more carefully instead of seeking immediate help from teachers. These simple skills are developing their independence and boosting their confidence after each little success.

Assessments
Teachers are now preparing reports which will be posted on BlueSky at the end of the term. These assessments will be uniquely reflective of our unprecedented new context of distance learning and the unusual educational challenges the girls have faced. Our teachers have largely been trained in the social setting of a classroom where great emphasis is put on interpersonal connectivity. Now they have been challenged to understand their children through the medium of computers and distance learning. This new context has required additional concentration and intense effort from all.

In considering their students’ progress, teachers are acutely aware of the following: some girls share devices with their siblings thereby curbing the amount of time they can spend on their work. Most working parents have not been able to support their girls other than giving technical assistance at the start of lessons. Those not working, may have been stressing and frustrated. We know our girls are often sharp receptors of the emotional temperature at home. Some families’ living space is limited. As teachers have connected with their girls for small group lessons, the reality of demanding and loud siblings and home background noise, a necessary and normal part of life, is just another challenge to girls’ concentration. Finally, the authenticity of any assignment depends on whether additional support has been given, and whether the student has self-marked her work accurately and with integrity from the memo. Submitted assignments, orals, reading and individual presentations are easier to assess objectively. However, it is in the process of completing tasks that we learn and while the end product has value, it represents just a part of learning.

Teachers are like sheepdogs in respect to the love and dedication they show to their charges - they love herding their girls towards success and do a double take for those going off track. They have not had the same ability and agility to do this in our current context and for certain characters - it’s often surprisingly the shy girls - it has been hard to establish the right and constant connection.

Reports should be read in the context of, and considering your own circumstances. Feedback has both process and content aspects. Teachers will comment generally on the work covered and more importantly, on how your daughter has engaged with that work. The girls have learned important IT skills, learned to communicate via a different platform, and have had to demonstrate independent, self directed learning with accompanying time management skills and academic rigour. All these aspects of learning have been clearly demonstrated by girls in the Intermediate Phase and where age-appropriate, in the Foundation Phase too. We have decided not to include actual marks for specific subjects and rather concentrate on the understanding demonstrated by girls and skills and attitudes they have developed in those subject areas.

Besides having had daily feedback by the teachers on work submitted, the girls have been tasked with gauging their own success during lockdown by writing reflective pieces. As teachers, we have discovered new sides to the girls which will only enhance our ability to provide further meaningful teaching when back on campus. While distance learning has its strengths and shortcomings, the process has had a remarkable effect on the teachers. We have a new appreciation of the importance of the intimate relationships we build with our girls, the opportunity to care for both their minds and emotions and the joy we get from being in their company and enjoying their banter. We have learned to draw them in in a different way and truly focus on, investigate and refine our teaching methods. It has left us both inspired and exhausted! Parents are welcome to contact the teacher directly if concerned about their daughter’s progress in a certain area. We hope to hold individual parent teacher meetings at the end of the third term, if required.

Return to School
As we prepare for the girls’ return, strict health and safety measures have been put in place. Parents will be asked to screen girls at home before dropping them off at school without the driver leaving their car. The girls will sanitize their hands and desks on arrival, during and on leaving school and wash their hands hourly. They will need to wear masks and be educated in and adhere to the classroom protocols established by the school. Desks with screen dividers where necessary will be carefully laid out to ensure the required distancing is adhered to. No equipment will be shared and girls will be asked to sanitize their stationery at home daily. There will be staggered breaks for each class during the day with teachers on duty to ensure our children’s adherence to the new rules. Please trust the school in ensuring that the safety of the children always comes first. We have spent considerable time and effort, with advice from senior health professionals, to ensure this. More information in this regard will be forwarded to you by Shelley Frayne.

We have been advised that these measures will need to be in place for a long time. The girls are resilient and scientific evidence has shown that healthy children are least at risk. (It is the teachers who will need to be especially vigilant!) We will expect all girls to return to school when allowed, to continue and cement those important social classroom relationships and move on with solid teaching, all but under different conditions. I will be inviting the class CLPs to join me in teams meetings next week where I will be able to answer specific questions in this regard.

Device usage
We expect that at certain times families will need to quarantine or isolate. Therefore, we will have to offer a blended learning approach where girls in class continue to enjoy the teacher explaining new concepts and revising recent work while those at home can listen. Parts of the lesson will be live streamed and certain exercises will then be uploaded to seesaw or teams to be completed. As a result, we ask that girls who have access to a device, bring it to school every day so that the positive aspects of technology mediated learning can continue. Those girls at home will similarly need access to a device.

Ultimately, we would like all girls from Grade 4 to have their own personal device. If you are considering buying an IPad, please contact Sarah Mitchell about reliable options. At present, girls may bring to school any device available. We will continue educating the girls on cyber safety and the school has strict controls and safety measures in place which will be clearly explained to them.

Enjoy the best of the last few weeks of distance learning. We are presently preparing desks and classrooms for the return of our girls, the “heart” of the school.

Warm regards,
Carol te WaterROUND SQUARE CHALLENGE

Our IP Phase girls participated in a Class Relay Marathon on 1 May. The girls had to each complete a 5 km walk, run, skip, cycle or swim. The distances were then tallied up in their class groups. Grateful thanks goes to Nina Cullis and Kate Berrisford, our Round Square Leaders, for their awesome promotional clip. Thanks also to the Grade 7 Class Round Square Coordinators for making this such an enjoyable event. For those girls completing their Round Square Challenge Award, this event can be added to it. Grateful thanks to the Finlayson family who came up with this original idea.

Class

Grade 7 RS Leader

4 TM

Kayley Watson

4 BRM

Ella Thornton

4 NW

Lyra Liddle

5 VH

Jasmin van den Hurk

5 NP

Rebecca Fury

5 RT

Olivia Smith

6 JA

Kate Berrisford

6 AC

Caitlin Hartog

6 SH

Lulu Bergstrom

7 BM

Nina Cullis

7 LN

Hedi Levitan

7 MS

Jade Nicol

Grade 1

The Grade 1s have been learning the “e” letter, as in bed and bread this week. They had to make their own bed and keep track of the weather. The girls also made “eggy bread.”

Girls learnt to do origami during a Teams meeting call.
They created Origami Elephant because of the "e" sound.

Alexa Coleman and Gia Enslin showing Ms Cooper where they have lost their teeth.

Grade 3

The Grade 3s did Number Sense, made up their own sentences and did a project on Lighthouses.

Kate Gilmour, Grade 3, presenting her Lighthouse Project

Grade 4

The Grade 4s created colour wheels in Afrikaans.

Grade 5

The Grade 5s learnt about 3D shapes. They had to make a net and then fold it to create a shape.

They also wrote letters about how they were feeling during Lockdown, to their teachers and even the President:

Dear Mrs. Hyland

Lockdown is getting better but I'm still really missing my friends and our beautiful school environment. The nice thing about lockdown is I get to spend time with my family, but I would much rather be spending time with them in the Cederberg.

On the weekend I did 2km of running in my garden and sat on my bed and watched Netflix. I did Netball shooting or ball skills with my Mom, Dad and my Sister. I called my friends and wrote in my journal. Overall lockdown isn't that bad but sometimes I really miss my friends and my nanny/second mom (Julsey).

Through this time of lockdown, I have learnt to appreciate everything I have because some people aren't as lucky as me. I hope you enjoy your lockdown

Kind regards

Anna xx

Dear Mrs. Hyland

I am feeling a bit happier than I normally do because it is one week until my birthday, right after Mother's Day. Then again it is a bit sad how people don’t get to see the people they love [they aren’t just family] as soon as we can live our lives again the better. This weekend was very different to normal on Friday I did my round square challenge and wore my colourful socks to swim gym it was funny and the most times I have ever been spotlighted. At the end of the day my mom bought the best rainbow cake from Woolworths and that was our dessert. On Saturday I did swim gym in a colourful top and the coaches said that they can always count on me to wear something colourful or strange looking and then the coolest thing happen we went for a drive in a car it felt strange at first but I got used to the feeling we drove by Blouberg and it looked like the waves where coming more and more towards the sand there was barely any sand I wonder how it will look when we can go back. After doing swim gym you get really fit at things you were terrible at before maybe that will make you join. I have gotten better at running but that’s what I did. I hope you enjoy week and weekend.

Kind Regards
Olethiwe

123 Westwood Road
Gardens
Cape Town
8001
8 May 2020

The President of South Africa
Mr Ramaphosa
Parliament Street
Cape Town
8000

Dear Mr Ramaphosa

My positive thoughts

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you what I see as the positives during this lockdown period. It would be wonderful if these positive aspects could stay forever.

I think a positive outcome is that you can see the mountains in the distance clearly every day and can hear the birds singing louder than normal because the level of pollution has gone down. Another positive outcome is that I can be with my family every day. We as a family has been playing games a lot as well which has made me happy. There seems to be much more time to do things in the day because we do not need to rush to school or work.

Thank you Mr. President, for taking care of our country and its people. We are the Rainbow nation. Please would you let me know when I am allowed to go back to school again.

Again I need to start this newsletter with thanking our parent body for the huge support they have given the girls in their distance learning and our teachers in their endeavours to teach and keep in contact with their charges in these unusual circumstances. I often refer to a school as being a partnership between teacher, parent and child and this is more true now than ever before.

We have learned valuable lessons over the last few weeks, mainly around the meaning of living intensely with one’s immediately family and remotely with the wider community, especially school. The girls have had to display tenacity, accountability and responsibility on their journey towards independent learning.

I am in daily contact with teachers, pupils and parents. The feedback has been most interesting:
Teachers have been encouraged and delighted by the progress of their girls. The work submitted is often beyond their expectations, to the point that in some subjects, they are ahead in curriculum delivery. In the Foundation Phase teachers have seen a marked improvement in reading skills. In the upper grades, girls are learning to read for meaning and follow instructions more carefully instead of seeking immediate help from teachers. These simple skills are developing their independence and boosting their confidence after each little success.

Assessments
Teachers are now preparing reports which will be posted on BlueSky at the end of the term. These assessments will be uniquely reflective of our unprecedented new context of distance learning and the unusual educational challenges the girls have faced. Our teachers have largely been trained in the social setting of a classroom where great emphasis is put on interpersonal connectivity. Now they have been challenged to understand their children through the medium of computers and distance learning. This new context has required additional concentration and intense effort from all.

In considering their students’ progress, teachers are acutely aware of the following: some girls share devices with their siblings thereby curbing the amount of time they can spend on their work. Most working parents have not been able to support their girls other than giving technical assistance at the start of lessons. Those not working, may have been stressing and frustrated. We know our girls are often sharp receptors of the emotional temperature at home. Some families’ living space is limited. As teachers have connected with their girls for small group lessons, the reality of demanding and loud siblings and home background noise, a necessary and normal part of life, is just another challenge to girls’ concentration. Finally, the authenticity of any assignment depends on whether additional support has been given, and whether the student has self-marked her work accurately and with integrity from the memo. Submitted assignments, orals, reading and individual presentations are easier to assess objectively. However, it is in the process of completing tasks that we learn and while the end product has value, it represents just a part of learning.

Teachers are like sheepdogs in respect to the love and dedication they show to their charges - they love herding their girls towards success and do a double take for those going off track. They have not had the same ability and agility to do this in our current context and for certain characters - it’s often surprisingly the shy girls - it has been hard to establish the right and constant connection.

Reports should be read in the context of, and considering your own circumstances. Feedback has both process and content aspects. Teachers will comment generally on the work covered and more importantly, on how your daughter has engaged with that work. The girls have learned important IT skills, learned to communicate via a different platform, and have had to demonstrate independent, self directed learning with accompanying time management skills and academic rigour. All these aspects of learning have been clearly demonstrated by girls in the Intermediate Phase and where age-appropriate, in the Foundation Phase too. We have decided not to include actual marks for specific subjects and rather concentrate on the understanding demonstrated by girls and skills and attitudes they have developed in those subject areas.

Besides having had daily feedback by the teachers on work submitted, the girls have been tasked with gauging their own success during lockdown by writing reflective pieces. As teachers, we have discovered new sides to the girls which will only enhance our ability to provide further meaningful teaching when back on campus. While distance learning has its strengths and shortcomings, the process has had a remarkable effect on the teachers. We have a new appreciation of the importance of the intimate relationships we build with our girls, the opportunity to care for both their minds and emotions and the joy we get from being in their company and enjoying their banter. We have learned to draw them in in a different way and truly focus on, investigate and refine our teaching methods. It has left us both inspired and exhausted! Parents are welcome to contact the teacher directly if concerned about their daughter’s progress in a certain area. We hope to hold individual parent teacher meetings at the end of the third term, if required.

Return to School
As we prepare for the girls’ return, strict health and safety measures have been put in place. Parents will be asked to screen girls at home before dropping them off at school without the driver leaving their car. The girls will sanitize their hands and desks on arrival, during and on leaving school and wash their hands hourly. They will need to wear masks and be educated in and adhere to the classroom protocols established by the school. Desks with screen dividers where necessary will be carefully laid out to ensure the required distancing is adhered to. No equipment will be shared and girls will be asked to sanitize their stationery at home daily. There will be staggered breaks for each class during the day with teachers on duty to ensure our children’s adherence to the new rules. Please trust the school in ensuring that the safety of the children always comes first. We have spent considerable time and effort, with advice from senior health professionals, to ensure this. More information in this regard will be forwarded to you by Shelley Frayne.

We have been advised that these measures will need to be in place for a long time. The girls are resilient and scientific evidence has shown that healthy children are least at risk. (It is the teachers who will need to be especially vigilant!) We will expect all girls to return to school when allowed, to continue and cement those important social classroom relationships and move on with solid teaching, all but under different conditions. I will be inviting the class CLPs to join me in teams meetings next week where I will be able to answer specific questions in this regard.

Device usage
We expect that at certain times families will need to quarantine or isolate. Therefore, we will have to offer a blended learning approach where girls in class continue to enjoy the teacher explaining new concepts and revising recent work while those at home can listen. Parts of the lesson will be live streamed and certain exercises will then be uploaded to seesaw or teams to be completed. As a result, we ask that girls who have access to a device, bring it to school every day so that the positive aspects of technology mediated learning can continue. Those girls at home will similarly need access to a device.

Ultimately, we would like all girls from Grade 4 to have their own personal device. If you are considering buying an IPad, please contact Sarah Mitchell about reliable options. At present, girls may bring to school any device available. We will continue educating the girls on cyber safety and the school has strict controls and safety measures in place which will be clearly explained to them.

Enjoy the best of the last few weeks of distance learning. We are presently preparing desks and classrooms for the return of our girls, the “heart” of the school.

Warm regards,
Carol te WaterROUND SQUARE CHALLENGE

Our IP Phase girls participated in a Class Relay Marathon on 1 May. The girls had to each complete a 5 km walk, run, skip, cycle or swim. The distances were then tallied up in their class groups. Grateful thanks goes to Nina Cullis and Kate Berrisford, our Round Square Leaders, for their awesome promotional clip. Thanks also to the Grade 7 Class Round Square Coordinators for making this such an enjoyable event. For those girls completing their Round Square Challenge Award, this event can be added to it. Grateful thanks to the Finlayson family who came up with this original idea.

Class

Grade 7 RS Leader

4 TM

Kayley Watson

4 BRM

Ella Thornton

4 NW

Lyra Liddle

5 VH

Jasmin van den Hurk

5 NP

Rebecca Fury

5 RT

Olivia Smith

6 JA

Kate Berrisford

6 AC

Caitlin Hartog

6 SH

Lulu Bergstrom

7 BM

Nina Cullis

7 LN

Hedi Levitan

7 MS

Jade Nicol

Grade 1

The Grade 1s have been learning the “e” letter, as in bed and bread this week. They had to make their own bed and keep track of the weather. The girls also made “eggy bread.”

Girls learnt to do origami during a Teams meeting call.
They created Origami Elephant because of the "e" sound.

Alexa Coleman and Gia Enslin showing Ms Cooper where they have lost their teeth.

Grade 3

The Grade 3s did Number Sense, made up their own sentences and did a project on Lighthouses.

Kate Gilmour, Grade 3, presenting her Lighthouse Project

Grade 4

The Grade 4s created colour wheels in Afrikaans.

Grade 5

The Grade 5s learnt about 3D shapes. They had to make a net and then fold it to create a shape.

They also wrote letters about how they were feeling during Lockdown, to their teachers and even the President:

Dear Mrs. Hyland

Lockdown is getting better but I'm still really missing my friends and our beautiful school environment. The nice thing about lockdown is I get to spend time with my family, but I would much rather be spending time with them in the Cederberg.

On the weekend I did 2km of running in my garden and sat on my bed and watched Netflix. I did Netball shooting or ball skills with my Mom, Dad and my Sister. I called my friends and wrote in my journal. Overall lockdown isn't that bad but sometimes I really miss my friends and my nanny/second mom (Julsey).

Through this time of lockdown, I have learnt to appreciate everything I have because some people aren't as lucky as me. I hope you enjoy your lockdown

Kind regards

Anna xx

Dear Mrs. Hyland

I am feeling a bit happier than I normally do because it is one week until my birthday, right after Mother's Day. Then again it is a bit sad how people don’t get to see the people they love [they aren’t just family] as soon as we can live our lives again the better. This weekend was very different to normal on Friday I did my round square challenge and wore my colourful socks to swim gym it was funny and the most times I have ever been spotlighted. At the end of the day my mom bought the best rainbow cake from Woolworths and that was our dessert. On Saturday I did swim gym in a colourful top and the coaches said that they can always count on me to wear something colourful or strange looking and then the coolest thing happen we went for a drive in a car it felt strange at first but I got used to the feeling we drove by Blouberg and it looked like the waves where coming more and more towards the sand there was barely any sand I wonder how it will look when we can go back. After doing swim gym you get really fit at things you were terrible at before maybe that will make you join. I have gotten better at running but that’s what I did. I hope you enjoy week and weekend.

Kind Regards
Olethiwe

123 Westwood Road
Gardens
Cape Town
8001
8 May 2020

The President of South Africa
Mr Ramaphosa
Parliament Street
Cape Town
8000

Dear Mr Ramaphosa

My positive thoughts

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you what I see as the positives during this lockdown period. It would be wonderful if these positive aspects could stay forever.

I think a positive outcome is that you can see the mountains in the distance clearly every day and can hear the birds singing louder than normal because the level of pollution has gone down. Another positive outcome is that I can be with my family every day. We as a family has been playing games a lot as well which has made me happy. There seems to be much more time to do things in the day because we do not need to rush to school or work.

Thank you Mr. President, for taking care of our country and its people. We are the Rainbow nation. Please would you let me know when I am allowed to go back to school again.

We have often heard that “Change is inevitable”; it’s “the only constant”. And even if that change is hard, we have all had to find ways to accept or deal with changes in our lives in a manageable way. But this is different! The coronavirus pandemic has thrust change at us in almost every aspect of our lives. Much change, in a short time, and it is hardly negotiable! How do we deal with this?

Rather than waste time and energy on being the victim, we could choose to accept that some things are beyond our control and focus on seeking out the opportunities that the change brings.

Looking back at our journey at the School in the Woods over the past few weeks, I realize that we have all embraced the change and achieved so much.

Our online learning got off to a quick start and is going well. Our girls are becoming more confident in using the different learning platforms. Our teachers are working extremely hard to provide the best possible educational experiences for the children. And the majority of our parents have juggled their hectic schedules to spend priority time on making the new programs worthwhile and fun for the girls. Together we are making the best we can of the situation we find ourselves in, and I would like to thank you all for your tremendous efforts.

Let us recognize the valuable implicit lesson in all this for our girls – we are teaching them about perseverance, adaptability, patience, and resilience. We want them to learn, by our own examples, that if we face adversity with an open mind and a positive outlook, we can overcome the most difficult situations.

Thank you to the parents who have completed the survey and for taking the time to meet with me. I believe that our discussions were very valuable as we are using your feedback to adapt our offerings to better suit your needs, where possible.

Amidst all this change, something that remains steadfast is the School-in-the-Wood’s commitment to excellence - driven by the values of creativity, love, commitment and respect to empower the girls, now and always.

Warm regards,
Sulochnee Nair

Look at what our girls have been up to!

GRADE R

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HARPER - 25 APRIL

Congratulations to Shazia on her first full day fast during Ramadan.
She spent over 12 hours without food or drinks.

Wishing all our Muslim families Ramadan Kareem.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CHARLOTTE - 29 APRIL

GRADE 00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING SQUIRREL NUTKINS

CHARLY - 25 APRIL | CHARLOTTE - 3 MAY | LUCY - 8 MAY

GRADE 000

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RAFAELLA - 29 APRIL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ELLE - 29 APRIL

EVENTS

World Book Day

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It takes courage to let go of the familiarand embrace the new."

You are receiving this email as a parent of a current pupil or as someone who has shown interest in St Cyprian’s School. If you do not want to receive these emails, please unsubscribe here.

We have often heard that “Change is inevitable”; it’s “the only constant”. And even if that change is hard, we have all had to find ways to accept or deal with changes in our lives in a manageable way. But this is different! The coronavirus pandemic has thrust change at us in almost every aspect of our lives. Much change, in a short time, and it is hardly negotiable! How do we deal with this?

Rather than waste time and energy on being the victim, we could choose to accept that some things are beyond our control and focus on seeking out the opportunities that the change brings.

Looking back at our journey at the School in the Woods over the past few weeks, I realize that we have all embraced the change and achieved so much.

Our online learning got off to a quick start and is going well. Our girls are becoming more confident in using the different learning platforms. Our teachers are working extremely hard to provide the best possible educational experiences for the children. And the majority of our parents have juggled their hectic schedules to spend priority time on making the new programs worthwhile and fun for the girls. Together we are making the best we can of the situation we find ourselves in, and I would like to thank you all for your tremendous efforts.

Let us recognize the valuable implicit lesson in all this for our girls – we are teaching them about perseverance, adaptability, patience, and resilience. We want them to learn, by our own examples, that if we face adversity with an open mind and a positive outlook, we can overcome the most difficult situations.

Thank you to the parents who have completed the survey and for taking the time to meet with me. I believe that our discussions were very valuable as we are using your feedback to adapt our offerings to better suit your needs, where possible.

Amidst all this change, something that remains steadfast is the School-in-the-Wood’s commitment to excellence - driven by the values of creativity, love, commitment and respect to empower the girls, now and always.

Warm regards,
Sulochnee Nair

Look at what our girls have been up to!

GRADE R

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HARPER - 25 APRIL

Congratulations to Shazia on her first full day fast during Ramadan.
She spent over 12 hours without food or drinks.